Shops remove sexually violent Grand Theft Auto video game

Two Australian retail chains, Target and Kmart, have removed video game Grand Theft Auto V from sale in its stores, following complaints about the depiction of violence towards women.

A petition launched by three female survivors of violence gained more than 40,000 signatures on change.org urging the withdrawal of the game.

The petition states:
“It’s a game that encourages players to murder women for entertainment. The incentive is to commit sexual violence against women, then abuse or kill them to proceed or get ‘health’ points.”

“To see this violence that we lived through turned into a form of entertainment is sickening and causes us great pain and harm.”